Grant: Discovery Grants Program - Individual

The overarching theme of the proposed research program is the design, synthesis and characterization of novel organophosphorus materials. More specifically, the research targets several energy-focused topics, addressing the efficient and sustainable use, conversion, and/or storage of energy via a synthetic bottom-up approach. To date my group has been able to establish organophosphorus species as unique and powerful advanced functional materials with highly desirable properties (strong and tunable luminescence, electron-acceptor features, and stable redox chemistry in particular) that make our molecular building blocks superior candidates for a variety of important sustainable energy applications. We are now at a crossroads that allows us to venture into largely uncharted territory with regard to the conversion and storage of energy in a novel, disruptive research approach.*On the molecular scale, the proposal targets the synthesis of novel electronically active building blocks and establishing crucial structure-property relationships. A second stream targets the nano/microscopic scale to address the next challenge for novel organic energy materials - highly ordered bulk phases. In practical applications, an ensemble of bulk materials is required to show optimum electronic communication, and it has been established that highly ordered systems are capable of performing superbly in this regard. Utilizing the targeted molecular building blocks, self-assembly features will be installed within the materials to generate highly ordered nano/microscopic bulk phases in the form of liquid crystals and gels that are expected to show enhanced electronic features, when compared to isolated molecules in solution. The same applies to the incorporation of the new building blocks as integral components within the backbone of conjugated polymers, or as side chain functionalization of suitably modified polystyrenes. Moreover, energy can also be efficiently stored in chemical bonds, particularly in species that can then act as conventional hydrocarbon fuels or non-conventional fuels, which is the main concept behind solar fuels. The third stream in the program targets transition metal-based catalysts that convert substrates, such as water or carbon dioxide, into combustible fuels (for fuel cells, or traditional combustion engines, respectively). Specifically we are targeting novel catalysts that bear unique, organophosphorus-based ligand sets to stabilize reactive intermediates in the conversion of water and carbon dioxide. *Due to its multidisciplinary nature, the proposed research program covers the full breadth of organic materials chemistry encompassing advanced synthesis, modeling, extensive characterization, and application. The applications targeted by the proposed research involve novel energy and environment technologies that either reduce the use of energy, or constitute sustainable avenues toward producing electricity by converting solar power. To provide for a means of storing energy, obtained either via solar energy conversion (or traditional hydrocarbon fuels), this research program also targets the development of novel organic battery materials that are capable of storing charges, again using an organophosphorus building-block and self-assembly approach. Moreover, the targeted development of solar fuel catalysts allows storing energy in the form of chemical bonds using water and/or carbon dioxide as substrate. This program will thus provide crucial knowledge and strategically position Canada at the forefront of the development of essential technologies for a sustainable future of our planet.